One for the guys who understand tyres

[timbo343]

Ok, the missues car is a 55 plate clio and has just started to develop a low buzzing noise from what sounds like the tyres.

 

It starts to happen at about 30+ mph and sounds like a bee is in the back and something is rubbing.

 

Ive made sure nothing is rubning against the rear tyres. The only thing i can put it down to now is the tyres them selves.

 

On the back she has got..

Nearside = horizon 185/55 r15 82V

Offside = radial f109 imperial ecodriver 3 185/55 r15 82V

 

Just wondering if anyone could shead any light on this.

[featured_spectre]

Has she gone over any potholes? They can throw the wheels out of alignment which can cause this.

[ICTDirect_Dave]

Could be the trye if it's not tracking properly, but also could be a bearing. Either way I'd get it checked pretty sharpish.

[chris_uk]

Clio owner, it'll be the rear bearings. Worth getting it sorted quick. the bearings are cheap but it's the labour that will need doing, seem to remember it was a 40 minute job.

[timbo343]

Thanks, it was doing it before it went for an MOT and a new offside tyre (last tuesday) so i thought it might have been low tread on the tyre.

[mac_shinobi]

@cpjitservices - - >> View Profile: cpjitservices - EduGeek.net

[timbo343]

Not sure about potholes, she doesnt really see them *sigh*

[timbo343]

How much do you reckon for wheel bearings? Looked online for signs of clio bearings and a clio forum said it was about £30 but owner supplied the bits.

[chris_uk]

would get it done at a garage, believe quick fit can do it for you.

[timbo343]

Oh yeah, I wouldnt do it myself though Im friends with a group of mechanics which i look after their PCs.

[cpjitservices]

This sounds like a definite wheel bearing problem.... Get it sorted before it gets worse... and louder...

 

Don't do a wheel bearing yourself if you aren't sure.... very labour intensive and you need the right tools such as a press to actually remove the bearings.

 

Clio, shouldn't take too long.... but still quite a heavy job.... should cost around 60-80 quid.

[timbo343]

Will update with results

[arwen]

Echoing the wheel bearing being the issue. It starts off as sounding like one wasp in a tin can, leave it for a hundred miles and it will sound like a whole hive buzzing around and trying to get out...

 

And just a side note, using two different brands of tyre on the same axle will most likely put your wheel alignment off, since they will wear at different speeds and their treads are probably different (as well as their grippyness and performance)

[SYNACK]

Rotate the tires, front to back and check on the noise, if it stays it is probably the bearing at which point get them done as when those fail the wheels can abandon the car without permission.

[timbo343]

So we have a new offside bearing. Thanks for all the advice. It wasnt that worn and there was no play in the wheel at all possibly early stages but like you all said best to get it early.